WCA vs PIP and timescales

LM28

I’ve just rang Maximus and they shared that the assessment report was sent across to the DWP on the 28th (which was the day of my assessment). Is there anything else I can do now or do I just have to wait to hear from my work coach as I guess it’s with the Decision maker?

Kimi87

Yes it will be with a Decision Maker. A letter will be uploaded to your Journal with the results. This won't be via your work coach, and if found to have LCWRA you will no longer have a work coach.

LM28

Okay thank you.

Where will the letter be on my journal? How will I know when it’s been uploaded?

Kimi87

You will receive a notification from them.

The pdf file will be on your Journal tab page, the one that has a list of journal entries/messages.

LM28

Okay that makes sense, thank you.

Do you think I should chase them about it (eg., weekly on my journal) or just leave it until they’ve notified me on my journal? I don’t know if nudging them in this situation will help or not really…

Kimi87

Timescales are up to 12 weeks for a decision.

I don't see that chasing them will do any good, personally.

LM28

Okay, I’ll leave it then and hope for the best. I didn’t actually realise UC made the decision, I assumed it was the health assessor from the assessment

Kimi87

The health assessor makes a recommendation, but the DWP Decision Maker makes the decision. They usually follow the assessor, but not always.

LM28

Hi @Kimmy87,

I've just received a note in my journal (and they attached a letter too) stating that I have been found to have Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activities. I'm really pleased with the result after having waited nearly two years since my first fit note.

I just wanted to ask about next steps and when I should roughly get my first payment of LCWRA? I also wanted to ask about back payments and if this will be reported on my journal soon? The message that I just received didn't mention anything specific about my case and back payments etc.

Thank you for all your help through this, it's been much appreciated!

Kimi87

So pleased to hear about your award.

Even though you've had a decision letter, the DWP still need time to process the decision. It takes at least several weeks usually.

You will see LCWRA element appear on your payment statement.

When the backpay has been calculated, a letter will be added to your Journal stating the amount owed. Payment will be sent your bank with a few working days.

Backpay benefits are excluded from the calculation of your capital for one year.

LM28

Thank you @Kimmy87 :)

That makes complete sense. My next UC payment is the 26th of this month- I assume I won't get the added LCWRA element then? I'm just wondering roughly how many weeks/months it will be until I get the first payment and back payment.

I'll keep an eye out for an additional letter on my journal re. the backpay.

Kimi87

It might be processed by then, but personally I wouldn't rely in it 😉

LM28

Haha, okay I won't get my hopes up!

If it's not processed by this payment date, I assume it will go through on April 26th?

Kimi87

Hopefully 🤞🏻

LM28

Hi @Kimmy87

I've just read some articles about the benefit cuts that are presumably happening soon. I've obviously just been awarded LCWRA and I'm wondering if this will impact me? And also my back payment of LCWRA. I would be devastated if I was unable to claim my back payment / was not eligible for it anymore, given that it nearly totals £10,000 and I've been entitled to that money since 2023 (when I first handed in my sick notes).

I know you might not have any information / feedback on this or know an answer, but I just wanted to comment on here as I'm a little concerned moving forward.

Thank you

Kimi87

We are all concerned, but the plans haven't been officially announced yet, and any changes will be subject to the legal process which takes a long time. They haven't even begun stage one yet which is the consultation phase (Green paper).

LM28

Thank you @Kimmy87

It's concerning times, I feel so disappointed and frustrated with our government.

I'm hoping it won't personally affect my situation right now and my back payment, but I know it's likely I will be impacted in the future nonetheless if the plans go forward.

LM28

Hi @Kimmy87

I hope you're okay

It's been 10 days since I had confirmation via my journal that I've been awarded LCWRA, but I'm yet to hear anything about my back pay. Is this normal/expected? I'm not sure how long I need to wait for this letter/confirmation.

Thank you

Kimi87

Backpay usually takes at least several weeks, if not longer.

LM28

That’s good to know, thank you!